Goats Hired to Keep Fire Fuels Down South of Boise

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) -- In another firefighting effort, the goats will be back next week. A two-month goat-grazing project will help reduce the risk of fire in the 110-acre Oregon Trail Reserve in southeast Boise. The goat grazing is part of an ongoing effort to reduce fire-prone fuels in the wake of the fatal Oregon Trail Fire of 2008. It will also create an opportunity for native grass restoration. Future projects include the use of herbicides targeting non-native species and reseeding of native plants.

Electric fencing will be used to keep the goats contained and to minimize impacts to existing trails. While the goats are grazing in the reserve, selected trails will be closed for a few days at a time. Trail closures will be marked with signs.